Oil of Oregano for Babies and Children

Children will always be exposed to bacteria, parasites and viruses because of their inherent desire for physical activity. The typical method by which parents counter-act these disease causing microorganisms is by cleaning the hands and feet of their kids after playing. Along this line, there is an organic product that can control the spread of these pathogens in young children. This natural product is none other than oil of oregano.

Oregano oil has anti-parasitical, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. The wild oregano plant, where oil of oregano comes from, has been used in the past, by the Greeks, for treating skin, digestive and respiratory disorders. Nowadays, many manufacturers have come up with various grades of this essential oil which can be used to treat many kinds of ailments.

The oil that they produce comes from the wild oregano plant Origanum vulgare that comes from Mediterranean countries like Turkey, Greece and Portugal. Manufacturers extract the oil from the crushed leaves of this plant using the cold process so that the potency of the oil’s active ingredients will not be affected. Two active ingredients, carvacrol and thymol were confirmed by several laboratory experiments in the United States to give the oregano oil its high potency against pathogens. You need to use this oil and not the one that comes from the common oregano Origanum marjoram, used for food spice.

This essential oil is very effective in fighting off diseases and is very safe to use. In fact it is more effective than conventional pharmaceutical drugs and disease causing microorganisms cannot develop resistance against them. It can be safely used by your children if they are suffering from common skin infections, common coughs and colds, and digestive problems. This oil has a very high potency and medical practitioners advise that it should not be taken internally by children below 7 year old. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are also advised not to take it.

To boost your child’s immunity to disease, here are the suggested safety doses, but you need to check with your doctor first. This may not be suitable for your child.

1. Ages 6 months to 2 years: Don’t give internally but rub 1 to 2 drops of oregano oil on the feet or the spine. If child has colds, congestion or fever, cover each foot after applying the oil. Limit continuous use for 10 days only.
2. Ages 3 to 6 years: Don’t administer internally, but rub 2 to 3 drops on each foot or the spine. There is no limit on the number of days that the oil can be applied. Cover the feet with socks before bedtime if the child has colds, fever or congestion.
3. Ages 7 to 10 years: Mix 1 to 2 drops of oregano oil in milk or juice and drink three times a day.
4. Ages 10 and above: Mix 2 to 3 drops or more in milk or juice and drink three times a day. For faster results, give 2 to 3 drops under the tongue of the child, if he can tolerate it.